Grow with Me at the Calhoun County Library

            The Calhoun County Library had a successful spring event last Saturday to celebrate not only Easter but also the arrival of spring and the importance of early literacy.

On Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 10 AM – 1 PM, the library was filled with digging, planting, crafting, petting cute animals, smiling with Peter Rabbit, and eating some delicious, nutritious snacks. We welcomed over 150 people ready to see Peter Rabbit from the children’s story by Beatrix Potter.  After meeting and taking a picture with Peter Rabbit, everyone was able to start getting dirty with potting soil. Our day was centered around growing up to be healthy and happy. Children were able to pet baby chicks and the cutest little white bunny. Children had the chance to plant a tomato plant and take it home so that it could grow right along with them. Our crafts included learning the parts of a flower, making peanut butter pinecone bird feeders, and germinating lima beans in a bag. Local garden club members helped with planting windowsill herb pots filled with lavender, mint, basil, and a myriad of herbs, and children designed faces on clear cups and planted wheatgrass seeds that will grow to make hair in a few weeks at home. While children waited for pictures with Peter Rabbit, they were able to get their faces painted by some talented artists too!

Of course, no event at the Calhoun County Library would be complete without a tasty treat! Master Chef Whittaker Williams graced us with his excellent cuisine once again this year. These healthy food options included fruit kabobs and Caprese salad skewers, and we topped it off with oatmeal raisin cookies. The Calhoun County Library cares about offering healthy options that will appeal to every age.

We had so much fun with Peter Rabbit, doing all our crafts, eating great food, getting our faces painted, adding to home libraries, and planting vegetables that will teach children how to care for our planet while also growing themselves. Every child went home with a bagful of goodies and a free book for their home libraries. Grow with Me is designed to highlight the importance of literature and connecting children to being healthy.